Do your feet feel like they're on fire? (Burning Feet Syndrome) - Let's talk about this!

Do you sometimes feel like your feet are burning, stinging, or tingling when you go to sleep at night, or even during the day? For some, this pain is just a mild burning sensation, but for others, it can be unbearable. This is not just a simple fatigue. There may be serious medical reasons behind this. Today, let's talk about this burning feet syndrome, or as doctors call it, 'Burning Feet Syndrome'.

Why do my feet burn like this? What are the main reasons?

Most of the time, the main reason for this kind of inflammation in the feet is damage to our nerves. We call this neuropathy . Simply put, when our nerve fibers are damaged, they don't work properly. So even without any injury, they start sending the wrong pain signals to the brain. It's like a broken wire sending the wrong signal. This damage usually starts in the legs, which is why things like inflammation and numbness in the feet are felt first.

So, there are various reasons why these nerves can be damaged.

1. Diabetes (Diabetic Neuropathy)

This is the most common and leading cause of foot pain. If a person with diabetes has uncontrolled high blood sugar levels for a long time, this extra sugar gradually damages the delicate nerve fibers in our body. About 50% of people with diabetes can develop this type of nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy).

2. Excessive alcohol use (Alcoholic Neuropathy)

This condition can also occur in people who drink alcohol excessively over a long period of time. Alcohol is like a poison to the nervous system. Also, many people who are addicted to alcohol do not receive proper nutrition, which can also damage the nerves.

3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood. This deprives the nerves of the nutrients they need and causes damage. When this condition becomes severe, it can cause unbearable burning sensation on the bottom of the feet, especially at night when you are sleeping .

4. Athlete's Foot

This is a fungal infection. The warm, moist environment inside sweaty shoes and socks is ideal for fungus to grow. If, in addition to the inflammation, there is itching and peeling skin between the toes , it is more likely to be athlete's foot.

5. Thyroid hormone deficiency (Hypothyroidism)

When our thyroid gland is underactive and hormone production is reduced (Hypothyroidism), if not treated properly, it can, in rare cases, damage nerves and cause inflammation in the feet.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, can cause nerve damage and foot pain. This condition is common in older people and among people who eat only vegetarian diets.

Could other diseases and medications be the cause?

Yes, absolutely. There are several other diseases and medications that can cause foot inflammation.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

In most cases, if you have a disease like diabetes, the doctor can easily guess the cause of your foot pain. Such people do not need extensive testing.

However, if it's hard to find a cause, or if the condition started suddenly and worsened quickly, your doctor may suggest some tests, such as:

• EMG (Electromyography) test: This measures the electrical activity of your muscles.
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): This tests the speed at which signals travel along nerves. It can help determine if a nerve is damaged.
• Blood and urine tests: These tests help check things like blood sugar levels, vitamin B12 levels, and thyroid hormone levels.
• Nerve Biopsy: This is a very rare procedure that involves taking a very small piece of tissue from a nerve and examining it under a microscope.

Okay, now let's see what the treatment is for this.

Treatment depends on the cause of your foot pain.

• If you have diabetes: The most important thing is to keep your blood sugar levels within the right range. This may require diet, medication, and possibly insulin injections.
• If caused by alcohol: Completely stopping alcohol consumption can stop the damage to the nerves and allow damaged nerves to heal to some extent.
• If it is due to vitamin B12 deficiency: You can take vitamin B12 pills or injections as per your doctor's advice. You can also add foods rich in B12 such as red meat, milk, eggs, and fish to your diet.
• If it is due to ringworm: This condition can be completely cured by using antifungal creams.

Additionally, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to control inflammation and pain caused by nerve damage. For example, medications like Gabapentin, Pregabalin, and Amitriptyline . These should only be taken under medical supervision.

Helpful things you can do at home

In addition to the treatments your doctor gives you, there are a few simple things you can do at home to get relief from this inflammation.

• Cool your feet: Soak your feet in a basin of cool (not cold) water for about 15 minutes. This will provide temporary relief. Never use ice water.
• Wear comfortable socks and shoes: Wear socks made of cotton that absorb sweat. Choose comfortable shoes that are breathable and not tight.
• Topical ointments: If your doctor approves, you can use some types of ointments that contain painkillers (e.g., Lidocaine or Capsaicin).
• Sleep in a cool room: Keeping your bedroom a little cooler can also provide relief.

Burning Feet Syndrome, Neuropathy, Diabetes, Vitamin B12, Foot Pain